10 Reasons Why Chrome, Firefox Threaten Internet Explorer

By Don Reisinger |
Posted 2009-10-05

10 Reasons Why Chrome, Firefox Threaten Internet Explorer

Google's recent announcement that it has updated its Chrome Web
browser with new add-ons to extend its functionality and has optimized
the browser for use as a native desktop client is the latest threat to
the dominance of Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Now developers can tweak the Chrome browser as they see fit to
create an experience that they're trying to achieve. That update comes
on the heels of Google offering a new service called Chrome Frame, which is embedded into Internet Explorer, providing its users with a far better browsing experience.

All of this is part of Google's strategy to capture browser market
share away from Microsoft's Internet Explorer. But that's not all.
Mozilla's Firefox browser also provides a unique, worthwhile experience
that goes above and beyond the simplicity of Internet Explorer.
Together, Chrome and Firefox are offering a viable alternative to
Internet Explorer.

But Microsoft's browser is still tops in the market. And so far,
Google's Chrome browser hasn't been able to make nearly as much headway
as Firefox in its battle with Microsoft. But that doesn't mean it will
stay that way forever. Quite the contrary, there are real opportunities
for both Chrome and Firefox to cause some real trouble for Microsoft.

Here's how:

1. Internet Explorer is slow

One of the biggest advantages Google's Chrome browser enjoys is its
speed. It's widely considered one of the fastest browsers on the market
and in most tests, it easily eclipses Internet Explorer. It also does
well against Mozilla's Firefox browser. Online, the value of a browser
is most commonly associated with its ability to deliver Web pages as
quickly and efficiently as possible. Considering Chrome can do that
better than the competition, Microsoft might need to worry.

2. Extensions are important

Although Microsoft does offer some add-ons for its browser,
Firefox's focus on working with developers to extend the functionality
of its browser far beyond opening and closing Web pages is important in
the space. Google is even getting in on the action, offering more
extensions than ever. Add-ons improve the browsing experience. They're
used by millions of people. And so far, it's Mozilla that has cornered
the market in that space.

3. Open source, anyone?

Although it's against almost everything Microsoft stands for,
making Internet Explorer open source might not be the worst move it
could make. Both Firefox and Chrome are open-source software. They
allow the community to improve the browser, plug security holes
quicker, and in the end, give that community ownership in their
products. It helps to see improvements to browsers much sooner than
closed software. It's a key success factor in the marketplace that
Microsoft isn't capitalizing on.

4. Beware of native apps

Microsoft has been so successful because Internet Explorer comes
bundled with every computer outfitted with its operating system. But
that doesn't mean Microsoft will hold on to that advantage
indefinitely.

Explorer Faces Threats on Multiple Fronts

Sony currently bundles Chrome, along with Internet Explorer, into all the VAIO computers it sells.
If it proves successful and users are happy with the browser, it could
come bundled in Dell, HP, and Acer machines sooner than Microsoft might
like. And that could cause a real problem for the software giant.

5. Design is important

One of the biggest issues some users have with Internet Explorer is
that it doesn't quite feature the design users covet. That said, both
Firefox and Chrome do have a more intuitive design that appeals to
those who want a simple, efficient browsing experience. It has come
back to haunt Microsoft in the past. And it looks like that issue will
continue going forward.

6. Security matters

Microsoft has always struggled with providing users the most secure
experience on the Web. For years, Internet Explorer was a hotbed of
security issues. It has gotten better in recent years, but the trouble
still remains. And as both Firefox and Chrome do a better job of securing computers, it is possible that Microsoft will suffer.

7. Google is Google

It might sound awkward to discuss the differences between two major
tech firms, but there's little debating that Google has its pulse on
what users want. It arguably understands that better than Microsoft.
For the most part, Google products are simple, efficient, useful, and
reliable. Internet Explorer doesn't always fit that bill. Chrome
usually does. It's a problem for Microsoft.

8. Internet Explorer leaves much to be desired

Although Microsoft has done a good job of improving Internet
Explorer over the past few years, it's still lacking many of the
features that users covet in other browsers. Worst of all, some of the
features it does have (tabbed browsing, for one) don't quite live up to
the benchmark its competitors have created.

9. The Halo Effect is strong

Microsoft has made billions of dollars relying upon the halo effect
-- people using a company product and buying its other products because
they were happy with the first device. But in recent years, Microsoft
has lost some of its appeal to users. And all the while, it has been
Google that has increased its own appeal. Right now, more users than
ever are using Google Search. Those same people are moving to Gmail and
Google Docs. It's only a matter of time before they see value in Chrome and try that out. Microsoft should be concerned.

10. Google and Mozilla "get" the average user

Say what you will about Google and Mozilla, but they both have
shown with their browsers that they "get" the average user. They
understand what it takes to make users happy. And they constantly find
ways to improve their browsers to ensure it stays that way. The same
isn't necessarily true with Internet Explorer. Going forward, that
could cause some serious trouble for Microsoft's browser.